C. Dimmock to LEE, Commander-in-Chief, April 27, 1861

General LEE, Commander-in-Chief:

Having succeeded in accomplishing the objects of taking up my temporary headquarters at this place, I proceed to-morrow morning to Culpeper Court-House, by the 6 o’clock train, which, as at present advised, will be my headquarters for some time to come. Colonel Jones, having arrived, will accompany me to Culpeper Court-House. I have arranged for my communications, through the medium of rail, wire, and courier, to headquarters, and I have, also, through a private chain of couriers (hence through Maryland to Baltimore), connected with General Steuart, in that city. My first volunteer aid, John S. Barbour, jr., remaining here, will receive dispatches at Alexandria.

ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT, Richmond, Va., April 27, 1861. Major-General LEE, Commanding Army and Navy of Virginia: GENERAL: As your attention is so much monopolized by the personal applications of our rather unsystematized citizen soldiers, I prefer to put on paper what I have to say: 1st. Without your positive order I fear there will be a dangerous delay in removing the machinery from Harper’s Ferry. Captain Carter, of this department, sent by me to take charge of and remove this machinery, writes me that it will take probably six weeks to remove it. From the tenor of his letter I conclude that there is a disposition from the surrounding citizens to hold back the removal. Would it not be best for you to instruct General Harper, in command, to push forward this matter? 2d. As there is not room at the armory to work up and pack away all the ammunition for heavy ordnance, field pieces, and small-arms, L respectfully suggest that the laboratory work upon all ammunition for the heavy pieces for stationary batteries be done elsewhere than at the armory, and under the superintendence of a naval officer. Why not at Norfolk? If not there, I can get a large tobacco factory in this city. It is more than I can attend to, having but one officer in my department, and he away at Harper’s Ferry. In conversing with Captain Minor, of

the Navy, he entirely approves of this; but your order seems to be required. I can attend to all field artillery and foot troops, but wish the heavy guns and their ammunition to be under the Navy Department. If it be intended to give me an experienced officer to aid me in the Ordnance Department, please do so, but give him a rank beyond that of captain, as if he is experienced he should rank higher than captain. The call for ammunition has been and is yet great. I hope none will be wasted, for we have none to spare. As it now is, General Richardson, adjutant-general, gives the orders for the issues—carefully, I know, but he is importuned excessively. Some assistance, I think, should be given him. Pardon this suggestive communication.

I have the honor to be, yours, very respectfully,